Perhaps you’ve heard about Apple’s play to get into our cars…a system called CarPlay. The way it works is that auto manufacturers outfit cars with a kind of dumb terminal that knows how to present iOS apps to the driver. 

The dumb terminal is that big display panel most auto manufactures use for lame GPS Navigation systems and some car controls, like climate control and maybe even your audio system. In general, the most implementations from auto makers totally suck.

Apple brings improved functionality, a better interface that includes voice control, and the flexibility of loading apps from your personal iOS device. The way it works is you plug your iPhone into the CarPlay system, let it hang out in the glove box or center console, so it’s out of the way, and the CarPlay device displays compatible apps on your center console display. Very cool.

The problem is that Apple won’t release anything until its ready…this really isn’t a problem when you think about it, but Apple is particularly picky about what it considers ready. And in the mean time, delays open the doors for competitors, like Google Android Auto system to get a foothold on some of that car dash real estate.

I may be somewhat biased when it comes to Apple vs Google initiatives, but I believe the Apple product will be superior. Although Google has demonstrated more interest and experiments with autos over the years, with their Street View cars and Autonomous car experiments. But that’s what they are…experiments, laboratory experiments…everything Google does is a big experiment…and if it sticks, they push it on us, whether it’s fully baked or not. To Google, we are just a bunch of lab rats.

Anyhoo…CarPlay hasn’t gotten a lot of attention, probably because Apple really doesn’t play it up…very quintessential Apple, to keep things under wraps until it’s fully ready…unlike Google. And that’s the point, do you want an experiment in your car, controlling your destination and access to the outer world, or do you want the company that is dedicated to bringing you the best possible experience?